Track Record

CHICAGO — Contrary to what was expressed in your editorial of Aug. 28, Greenpeace was being neither ``extremist`` nor ``cynical`` when we expressed some doubt about the motives of McDonald`s in agreeing to work with the Environmental Defense Fund on a waste stream analysis.

Far from being ``ignorant`` about McDonald`s, we have been tracking its environmental record for some time. While other fast-food chains have eschewed the use of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) packaging, McDonald`s has steadfastly refused to give up use of this material.

In the face of overwhelming evidence that the manufacture, use and disposal of polystyrene foam exact a huge toll on the environment and on public health, McDonald`s continues to insist that keeping the ``hot hot and the cold cold`` is a value that must be preserved at all costs. Public outrage at this intransigence caused McDonald`s to launch a vast public relations campaign that is attempting to mask, not alleviate, the environmental problems the corporation itself is causing.

Furthermore, this is a company that planned to build on-site trash incinerators at all its restaurants. Fortunately, thousands of citizens across the country knew better and grew alarmed at the specter of dioxin and heavy metal releases into neighborhoods nationwide. In the face of massive opposition, McDonald`s was forced to cancel this ill-conceived plan.

Little wonder, then, that Greenpeace and other environmental groups voiced doubts about McDonald`s sincerity. When Ronald McDonald can ``just say no`` to Styrofoam and join the ranks of recovering pollutaholics, the doubts will dissipate.